Animal experts have attacked plans to cull up to half a million wild deer and called them "disastrous".

The government says large numbers of deer may have to be killed because they are out of control and damaging crops.

But charity Working For Wildlife says deer can control their own numbers naturally, and that humans shouldn't interfere with their way of life.

The public is being asked for its comments on the possible cull, and a decision will be made after 16 April.

Deer meat

Nature Conservation Minister Ben Bradshaw says he would like to keep the deer population down by making the shooting season longer, recruiting more deer stalkers, and encouraging the public to eat more deer meat, called venison.